Obituary: Mary, Viscountess Eccles, Collector of Samuel Johnson and Oscar Wilde

Charles Davis writes “”Bounty always receives part of its value from the manner in which it is bestowed”: so
wrote Samuel Johnson to the Earl of Bute, grateful for the pension awarded him. It was
a gift that came naturally to Mary Hyde, as she was known for half her life, much of
which was devoted to preserving the memorials of Johnson’s life. The collection at Four
Oaks Farm, in New Jersey, encompassed the letters and books that he wrote, portraits
of him, even his teapot, as well as an almost equally comprehensive James Boswell
collection, and as much again of matter relating to the family and friends of both men.

Full obituary at
The independent.co.uk“

September 8, 2003 by Uncategorized 0

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